Nigel Farage always hated flying

He especially loathed having to take the tiny propellor-powered plane that was the only direct route to Strasbourg before the fast train link. But he bore those journeys with good-humoured stoicism, as he did most of the disagreeable aspects of our job.

Nigel is, I suppose, my chief rival in the South East. But he has always acted as a gentleman towards political opponents, and I like to think we have become friends. Nigel is in politics for the best possible reason: patriotism. He gave up a lucrative career to stand for the European Parliament, and there are plenty of other, more rewarding, things he could be doing.

It is typical of the man that, as he came round, his first words were to ask after the pilot. I hope all of us, whatever our parties, will join in wishing him a speedy and complete recovery.